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Celebrate Spring At The National Cherry Blossom Festival

Once the chilly frost of winter begins to subside, the warmer weather brings about a season full of bloom—including the famed cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital. Last year, Washington, D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated its centennial, and this year (from March 20 to April 14) you can expect a calendar chock-full of cherry-themed events—imagine festive parties, cherry blossom-centric menus and special hotel packages. Our Forbes Travel Guide editors have the scoop on how to make the most of the four-week festival commemorating the famed pink blooms that signal spring has sprung.

What to Know While the delicate pink blooms are beautiful to look at, they also have a much deeper meaning. In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo presented the city of Washington, D.C. with 3,000 cherry trees to signify the close relationship between Japan and the U.S. The first “festival” was held in 1927 and has been a big part of springtime in D.C. ever since, attracting more than 1.5 million people each year. This year, the National Park Service predicts the peak bloom period will be between March 26 and March 30.

During cherry blossom season the entire city gets into the spirit, from museum exhibits and special performances to pink lights shining bright on some of Washington, D.C.’s famous sights such as the Southwest Waterfront and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Bus tours are great ways see the blossoms (they begin on March 15), with tour guides explaining the history of the trees and pointing out the prime spots for photo ops. Taxis and storefronts are adorned with commemorative blossom decals, and getting a free Petal Pass through Capital One Bank assures you discounts at places such as Pinkberry and Georgetown Cupcake, where you can pick up a cherry blossom cupcake, a classic Madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake baked with fresh cherries and topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and a fondant cherry blossom.

What to Do Chef Lorena Garcia—of Top Chef Masters fame—will host the seventh annual Pink Tie Party to kickoff the festival season. The event is at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel, and guests will be treated to cherry blossom-inspired dishes from more than 30 different D.C. restaurants, including Founding Farmers, Masa 14 and Vidalia. This event is sure to sell out, so purchase your ticket before it’s too late. March 20, 7 p.m., 999 9th St. NW, $200.

For a bit of exploring, embark on the Capitol Hill Cherry Blossom Food Tour. Your guide will verse you in the history of the Hill—the old stomping grounds of American composer John Philip Sousa and former F.B.I. director J. Edgar Hoover—while taking you to three local restaurants for convivial bites. Nosh on pork tenderloin with a dried cherry stone fruit chutney at Zest American Bistro, and chocolate truffles with a cherry reduction at Cava Mezze, and then wash it all down with a cherry-infused margarita at Las Placitas. March 20-April 14, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. and Monday, Wednesday 3:30 p.m. Tours start at Eastern Market Metro Stop, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, $49.

Returning after a two-year break, Taste of Japan will be back in full swing on April 4. The event at Carnegie Library pays homage to the original home of the cherry trees gifted to the U.S. more than 100 years ago. Various Japanese restaurants throughout the city plan to participate, including KAZ Sushi Bistro and Yo! Sushi, allowing guests to sample authentic Japanese fare. Be on the lookout for sake and craft beer from Japanese brewers, too. April 4, 7 p.m., 801 K St. NW, $100 to $150.

Hit the National Mall for a variety of free events during the festival. Guided tours with National Park Rangers, pet-friendly walks, food tents, live stage performances and even a ranger-led bike tour and night walk around the Tidal Basin will be part of the free activities at the National Mall. March 13-April 13.

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